Disposable dilution system

Claim 2

The combination of a container and a capillary tube assembly, the said container having a compressible flexible portion and having an opening, a measured amount of diluent within the container for the purpose of diluting the liquid within the capillary tube, the capillary tube assembly comprising a capillary tube of predetermined length and internal diameter and a capillary tube holder having means to grip the capillary tube, said tube holder having an inspection port within which an end of the capillary tube protrudes, a bore extending from the port to an outer end of the holder to permit the diluted liquid to be squeezed out from the container, and a neck portion which removably fits within the opening of the container and seals the container except for the opening through the bore of the holder, said inspection port and both ends of said capillary tube being within said container permitting them to be flushed by said diluent.

Claim 3

The combination of claim 1 wherein the means to grip the capillary tube forms a lower neck portion which is narrower than the neck and the said port is positioned between the lower neck portion and the said neck portion, whereby a premature seal is prevented in the process of detachably sealing said holder to said container.

Claim 4

The combination of claim 1 wherein parts of the wall of said container have two cylindrical collars with mutual axis that extend outward from said container and within each collar is formed a planar, flexible, optically transparent membrane.

Claim 5

The combination of claim 3 wherein the membrane areas are on opposite sides of said container permitting a beam of light to pass through both membranes.

Claim 6

The combination of claim 4 wherein the neck of said container is offcenter for the purpose of removing said capillary tube and holder, when detachably inserted, from said beam of light.

Claim 7

The combination of claim 3 wherein said membranes are flexible and can be positioned at a predetermined distance relative to each other by external sleeves that telescope into said collars.

Claim 8

The combination of claim 3 wherein said collars are adapted to detachably seal with external telescoping sleeves for the purpose of preventing entry of extraneous light.

Claim 9

The combination of claim 1 wherein said container has an integral scabbard holder adapted to removably retain the capillary tube holder and said capillary tube holder is positioned in said scabbard.

Claim 10

The combination of claim 8 wherein said scabbard is tubular and has a closed bottom and an open top. 10 The combination of claim 1 and also including a cap to seal the bore of the capillary tube holder, said cap sealing the bore at its outer open end away from the capillary tube.

Claim 11

The combination of claim 10 wherein said cap is connected to said capillary tube holder by a flexible band.

Claim 12

The combination of a container and a capillary tube assembly, the said container having a compressible flexible portion anD having an opening, a measured amount of diluent within the container for the purpose of diluting the liquid within the capillary tube, the capillary tube assembly comprising a capillary tube of predetermined length and internal diameter, and a capillary tube holder having means to grip the capillary tube, said tube holder having an inspection port within which an end of the capillary tube protrudes, a bore extending from the port to an outer end of the holder to permit the diluted liquid to be squeezed out from the container, a neck portion which removably fits within the opening of the container and seals the container except for the opening through the bore of the holder, and a removable cap which seals said bore, said inspection port and both ends of said capillary tube being within the said container, whereby the inspection port permits viewing the end of the tube, permits the flow of diluent therethrough, prevents extraneous capillary action, vents the container pressure when sealing said holder to said container, and aids in orienting the holder to be inclined toward its horizontal position during viewing.

Claim 13

The combination of a container and a capillary tube assembly, the said container having a compressible flexible portion anD having an opening, a measured amount of diluent within the container for the purpose of diluting the liquid within the capillary tube, the capillary tube assembly comprising a capillary tube of predetermined length and internal diameter, and a capillary tube holder having means to grip the capillary tube, said tube holder having an inspection port within which an end of the capillary tube protrudes, a bore extending from the port to an outer end of the holder to permit the diluted liquid to be squeezed out from the container, a neck portion which removably fits within the opening of the container and seals the container except for the opening through the bore of the holder, and a removable cap which seals said bore, said inspection port and both ends of said capillary tube being within the said container, whereby the inspection port permits viewing the end of the tube, permits the flow of diluent therethrough, prevents extraneous capillary action, vents the container pressure when sealing said holder to said container, and aids in orienting the holder to be inclined toward its horizontal position during viewing.

Claim 14

A dilution system as in claim 12 wherein a scabbard is connected to said container at one side thereof and said container has portions of its wall optically permitting light thereof, the said scabbard acting as a key to orient the container for instrumental analysis of its contents.

Claim 15

A dilution system as in claim 12 wherein the holder has an upper portion away from its gripping portion and said upper portion has flattened sides permitting it to be grasped by the fingers, orienting said inspection port and thereby dictating correct operation of said holder.

Claim 16

A dilution system as in claim 12 wherein the holder has a neck portion having an external diameter about equal to the internal diameter of the opening of the neck portion of the container and said neck portion has a top slot and a bottom slot, said slots providing sequential vents as the holder is inserted into the neck.